Day care workers grieve death of friendly, outgoing boy

By Wade Allen

Published: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 05:51 PM.

As employees grieve, the business is trying to maintain stability for the sake of other children and their families, Campbell said. Smart Kid’s Child Development Center in Gastonia is licensed to care for 100 children.

“Some parents have brought cards and flowers. They’re here in the office in memory of Devin and in support of the staff,” Campbell said. “He was a great kid and all the staff loved him. He had many friends here.”

Grief counselor Melanie Lowrance talked with staff members Tuesday and said the day care will decide if she should also work with children in coping with the situation.

She will instruct staff on how to properly answer any questions children may have about Devin’s death, Campbell said.

Smart Kids Child Development Center has a five-star rating, the highest offered by the state. Ratings measure a center's standards, its history of complying with state requirements and the education of its staff.

You can reach reporter Wade Allen can be reached at 704-869-1828; twitter.com/gazettewade.

Day care employees are coping with the sudden loss of a 4-year-old boy who died after collapsing at the Gastonia center on Monday.

Fond memories of a sociable Devin Dwayne Elliott are consoling his caregivers and buddies at Smart Kids’ Child Development Center on Cox Road, said the day care’s president Kevin Campbell.

“It’s been a challenging day but it’s been a bonding experience for all of us,” he said Tuesday. “He was a very inclusive child with all the other children. He was warm and friendly.”

The atmosphere in the day care was somber, with parents of children offering support to the staff.

Police say Devin’s death was likely the result of a medical issue. They have no information to suggest otherwise.

The Gaston County medical examiners’ office is investigating.

A staff member told police Devin was playing with other children and began walking strangely before collapsing. A call to 911 dispatchers reported someone having difficulty breathing. Devin was transported to Gaston Memorial Hospital and reportedly died soon after arriving.

As employees grieve, the business is trying to maintain stability for the sake of other children and their families, Campbell said. Smart Kid’s Child Development Center in Gastonia is licensed to care for 100 children.

“Some parents have brought cards and flowers. They’re here in the office in memory of Devin and in support of the staff,” Campbell said. “He was a great kid and all the staff loved him. He had many friends here.”

Grief counselor Melanie Lowrance talked with staff members Tuesday and said the day care will decide if she should also work with children in coping with the situation.

She will instruct staff on how to properly answer any questions children may have about Devin’s death, Campbell said.

Smart Kids Child Development Center has a five-star rating, the highest offered by the state. Ratings measure a center's standards, its history of complying with state requirements and the education of its staff.

You can reach reporter Wade Allen can be reached at 704-869-1828; twitter.com/gazettewade.